The headteacher of Corpus Christi Catholic College says Ann Maguire “will never be forgotten” as the school prepares to mark the first anniversary of her murder.

Staff and students will attend Mass and hold a one-minute silence before releasing prayers attached to balloons in what they have described as a “private and dignified” memorial on Tuesday.

Headteacher Steve Mort said the school continued to feel Mrs Maguire’s loss and added: “The past 12 months have been very difficult at times.

“I am, however, extremely proud of the resilience and strength shown by both staff and students as we have sought to come to terms with what happened.

“My colleagues worked hard to maintain a sense of normality for our students in the aftermath of last April, and it is a tribute to their professionalism and dedication that this was achieved. Our students achieved the college’s best ever GCSE results last summer, demonstrating a collective determination to do the best they possibly could in Ann’s memory. We were all extremely proud of their achievements.

“As a school we remain focused on our work to raise standards and attainment across the college, and to support all of our young people to achieve their full potential. We have all drawn great strength and comfort from knowing that this was Ann’s life’s work.”

The whole school Mass, to take place in the school’s main hall, will be a celebratory event, the school said.

Monsignor Paul Fisher, parish priest for Corpus Christi Catholic Church, said: “Ann Maguire devoted her whole professional life to teaching young people, so it is right and very fitting for the school to come together in prayer to remember and celebrate her wonderful legacy of service to Catholic education in our Diocese and the city of Leeds.”

Mr Mort added: “It is impossible for me to sum up the huge contribution that Ann made to both the school and local community throughout her career, or to calculate the profound effect that she had on her colleagues or on the minds and hearts of her students. Ann will never be forgotten at Corpus Christi Catholic College.”

A permanent memorial to Mrs Maguire is being planned for the school site.